My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

offer

cake is

motion with her hand, she lifted a knife and

to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before

that, the head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss

must sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

must close her

must blow out

that

had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice piped up beside

she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table

wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began

to say thank you!” their parents

each other’s faces. Just like that, the

the light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the

don’t need to be so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t

worry about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend

up the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep

she turned and headed toward the

apartment and about to close the

a loud slam, the door was propped open by a large hand from

head up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more grotesque by the centipede-like scar on it. Suddenly, she

out on business? she

himself, he slid sideways into the house and

you’ve been getting along fine

steps back. Why are you

at her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled off

like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful days,

step he approached her, forcing

Rachel had no idea

and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged